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Traditional snack micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia face increasing market competition and rapidly changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger consumers seeking innovative and symbolic food experiences. This community engagement study aims to strengthen the profitability and sustainability of traditional snack MSMEs by integrating local flavor innovation with simple business governance practices. Using a participatory action research approach under the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program in Palangka Raya, this study involved co-creation between students and local entrepreneurs in product development, production standardization, and basic financial management. Qualitative data were collected through participatory observation and stakeholder discussions, while quantitative data were obtained from sales records and simple financial reports. The results demonstrate that local flavor-based innovation, combined with standardized operating procedures and cost control mechanisms, improved product differentiation, operational efficiency, and financial performance. The intervention generated a positive net profit and strengthened the partner’s capacity for independent business management. This study contributes to the literature by positioning traditional food MSMEs as sites of cultural innovation and micro-governance, while supporting Sustainable Development Goals related to inclusive economic growth, cultural preservation, and responsible production.

Community empowerment is an important pillar in social development in Indonesia. This article discusses the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Program by students of the Christian Leadership Study Program, Faculty of Theology, Tarutung State Christian Institute in Hutaraja Simanungkalit Village, Sipoholon District, North Tapanuli Regency. This activity focuses on spiritual and social development, through a literacy mentoring program for children and support for the elderly. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach with a collaborative participatory method, which allows active interaction between students and the community. Data collection was carried out through observation, informal interviews, and documentation of activities. The evaluation results showed that the program succeeded in improving children's basic literacy skills and providing emotional support for the elderly, as well as strengthening social relationships in the community. Through this experience, students developed social skills and empathy, while the community felt the positive impact of student involvement. This article emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the academic world and local communities in realizing effective and sustainable empowerment.

The independent curriculum is the curriculum that is considered the most humanistic among the previous curricula. The birth of the independent curriculum is adapted to current developments which have entered the era of society 5.0, where technology is very closely linked to the lives of every individual at any age, from birth to the elderly. Therefore, the learning process must also undergo changes, by innovating each lesson. Based on this, it requires every educational institution to develop the potential of each human resource. Therefore, the aim of this community service is to facilitate early childhood educators throughout the world to develop their potential in making innovations in learning according to children's current needs. The final result of this PkM is that all educators in the early childhood education unit receive information or curriculum updates, and are able to innovate the independent curriculum in accordance with the culture of their respective school environments.

To improve the quality of teacher education and encourage the establishment of the merdeka learning system at the elementary school level, technology plays an important role. The educational concept called Merdeka Learning provides opportunities for students to choose and organize educational programs according to their interests and needs. Technology is now very capable of supporting the integration of independent learning into classroom practice in this digital era. Technology integration in teacher learning has a positive impact on improving the quality of learning at the elementary school level. Teachers who are trained and assisted in the use of technology can create learning content that is more interesting and interactive. In addition, technology also gives students the freedom to organize their own learning and choose learning resources according to their individual interests and learning styles. This research provides great benefits for teachers and students in elementary schools. Teachers can use technology to improve the quality of learning, while students feel the freedom in learning that is more personal and according to their interests.